Dating violence can occur in various ways: Sexual abuse is when one person forces another to engage in a sexual activity or sexual touching.It is abuse when there is one person in a dating relationship who does not consent, or is too young to consent (Department of Justice).Prevention is key, and the earlier in life the better.

Societies with the strictest gender roles have the highest rates of violence against women, and Canada isn’t as far ahead as we assume.

While some forms of abusive behaviour, such as acts of physical assault, could result in charges under the Criminal Code of Canada, others, such as ridiculing or otherwise being verbally abusive, are harmful but not criminal offences.

Dating violence has become an issue of increasing concern to researchers and practitioners over the past three decades.

As one teen said after participating: “It’s like you see the world differently.

You see the value of the people around you.” However, the message that violence is normal has become so loud, it’s going to take a massive, collective effort to be heard above the din. Be a positive role model, and talk to your children about relationships.

In an effort to capitalize on the celebrity of Chris Brown, the hip hop artist who was convicted of assaulting his former girlfriend Rihanna, a Georgia restaurant recently created a new sandwich: “The Caribbean Black and Bleu.” The restaurant slyly tweeted: “Chris Brown won’t beat you up for eating this unless your name starts with R and ends with A.” After a public outcry, the sandwich was pulled from the menu. Last year, men’s clothing retailer Topman was forced to withdraw T-shirts that read: “I’m so sorry, but,” followed by excuses: “You provoked me . They’re most likely to tell their friends, who are least likely to understand the issue and least able to help.